How to Start a Welding Business in Kenya (2026): Equipment, Costs and Profit
Gates, window grills, doors, roofing trusses, carts and repairs: welding and metal fabrication ("jua kali") work never runs out in Kenya. A small workshop can start with one welding machine, a grinder and good skills. This guide covers the equipment, costs and how to win jobs.
Quick answer: To start a small welding business in Kenya you need a welding machine (from KSh 6,500 for a starter kit, about KSh 18,500 for an inverter set), one or two angle grinders, electrodes, clamps and safety gear, plus a workshop space and steel for your first jobs. A basic workshop can start with roughly KSh 50,000–150,000 depending on what you already own and how much steel you stock.
Welding Business Equipment List
KSh 18,500
KSh 19,350
KSh 20,200
KSh 6,500
KSh 6,990
KSh 9,900
Welding machines
| Machine | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop Welding Starter Kit combo | Starting out, light repairs | KSh 6,500 |
| Inverter Welding Machine Set | Everyday gates, grills, doors | KSh 18,500 |
| Arc Welding Machine Kit | General arc welding | KSh 19,350 |
| MMA Welder Workshop Package | Busy workshop | KSh 20,200 |
| Heavy Duty Welding Machine | Heavy fabrication | KSh 23,600 |
Compare more machines: welding machine price in Kenya.
Grinders and cutting
| Tool | Use | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch – GWS 700 Professional Angle Grinder. | Cutting and finishing (Bosch) | KSh 6,990 |
| Angle Grinder Machine | General grinding | KSh 6,500 |
| Industrial Disc Grinder | Heavy grinding | KSh 9,900 |
| GCO 220 Bosch Cut Off Grinder | Straight cuts in tube and angle line | KSh 33,390 |
More: angle grinder prices.
Consumables
| Item | Note | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Rods E6013 Box | E6013 general-purpose rods, box | KSh 1,150 |
| Welding Rods E6013 Per Kg | Per kg | KSh 250 |
| Welding Holder 800A | Electrode holder | KSh 500 |
| Welding Clamp | Earth clamp | KSh 700 |
| Welding Cable | Welding cable | KSh 600 |
Rods and discs guide: welding rods and cutting discs.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Welding Business in Kenya?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Welding machine | KSh 6,500 – KSh 23,600 |
| Angle grinders (1–2) | KSh 6,500 each and up |
| Rods, discs, cables, clamps | Rods from KSh 250/kg |
| Safety gear (helmet, gloves, apron, boots) | Budget a few thousand shillings |
| Workshop rent | Depends on location |
| Steel for first jobs | Usually paid from the client deposit |
| Licences | County Single Business Permit |
Cash-flow tip: take a deposit (often about half) before buying steel for a job, so customers fund their own materials.
What Can You Make and Sell?
- Gates and doors
- Window and door grills
- Roof trusses and steel structures
- Water tank stands
- Carts, wheelbarrow repairs and farm tools
- Furniture frames, shelves and stands
- Repairs: vehicles, machinery, school beds
Steel prices: square tube and round pipe, steel bars and BRC mesh, stainless steel. Gates and security doors: steel security door prices.
How to Price Welding Jobs
A simple, fair formula: steel and consumables + labour (hours × your rate) + transport and fitting + profit margin. Measure carefully, list every piece of steel, and give a written quote. Track your real time on the first jobs so your labour rate is accurate.
Skills and Certificates
Customers trust certified welders. Training is offered by technical and vocational colleges, and trade tests are run under the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). Learn both arc welding and accurate measuring and marking; neat finishing is what wins repeat customers.
Welding Safety
- Auto-darkening or shaded helmet: arc light damages the eyes.
- Leather gloves, apron and closed boots; no synthetic clothes.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and clear flammables away.
- Ventilate: welding fumes are harmful.
- Guard on every grinder; never remove it.
- Switch off and unplug machines before changing cables.
Is a Welding Business Profitable in Kenya?
Yes, for welders who deliver neat work on time: demand from homes, schools, farms and construction is steady, and most jobs are paid partly upfront. Profit depends on pricing every job properly and keeping the workshop busy. Sell online too: list your gates, grills and services in a free Buy More Mall shop.
Not sure which one fits? Send us your details on WhatsApp or through the product page and we will help you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a welding business in Kenya?
A basic workshop with one welding machine, grinders, consumables and safety gear can start with roughly KSh 50,000–150,000, plus rent.
Which welding machine is best for a beginner in Kenya?
An inverter welding machine such as the Inverter Welding Machine Set (KSh 18,500) is light, efficient and handles everyday gates and grills.
Which welding rods are best for general work?
E6013 rods are the common general-purpose choice for mild steel.
Is welding a profitable business in Kenya?
Yes when jobs are priced properly with a deposit, and the work is neat and on time.
Do I need a licence to open a welding workshop?
You need a county Single Business Permit; confirm other county requirements for your location.
Where can I learn welding in Kenya?
At technical and vocational training colleges; trade tests are offered under NITA.
Prices shown are regular prices on Buy More Mall. Many products are currently on offer, so open the product page to see today's price.
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